Besides my DSLR Nikon D90 (with 18-55 VR, 17-210, 18-70 and Nikkor lenses) I still have a Panasonic ZX3, a Fujifilm F20 and an old Fujifilm M603.
Important criteria in the selection of the new camera for me were:
- Reasonably strong light
- Full HD movie recording with good sound
- Large display with corresponding resolution
- Wide
- WLAN functionality
- Image quality of the recordings should be clearly superior to smartphones
From the Galaxy Camera, I had already read some reports and tests that somehow did not turn out quite uniform. Some complained about the lack of telephone function or the image quality, the other praised the brilliant display and the extensive possibilities that brings Android to be.
Since I find the concept of this cam really very interesting, I simply times ordered and now extensively tested within one week (video function in different lighting conditions, image quality of the photos using Tripod test shots, Iso-series etc.). Even the Android part I have long tried and compared to my current smartphone (Motorola RAZR).
One should keep in mind to always mE that it this is a camera that has some additional features were donated (Android) that have been optimized for the camera and video functions back. A phone feature would certainly have been quite nice, but I did not expect from the device and therefore I miss by no means.
Here is my (surely also subjective) Result:
Image Quality:
The lens reflects a range of a real wide-angle (4.1 mm) to the huge telephoto (86.1 mm). By design, it must necessarily come here to deficits (is not help to build in this price range). So there are the wide angle distortion of course (but still remain within the limits). Even blurred edges are visible, but which I have expected in this form. The further slide the lens to telephoto, the fainter the lens is of course. A shake-free image at 21 times zoom without a tripod is therefore possible only in good light - despite Image Stabilizer. Everything else would have been really sensational.
The already here besprochende blur when shooting above ISO 400 is visible in fact. Nevertheless, I have a picture with ISO 1600 (included in the Program Mode) printed on 10x15 times and found the result quite handsomely.
Overall, the lens thus offers many opportunities. The deficiencies described can also be found in all the other superzoom cameras in this segment - something more or something less. Here the Samsung Camera is in midfield.
Video feature:
Very good! The Full HD videos are brilliant, sharp and successful yet amazingly well (better than my Panasonic ZX3) even in low light. Even the sound convinced with a clear resolution. Only the zoom while filming is easily audible and also "moves" not so insanely liquid.
Functionality:
The camera is surprisingly quick to deploy, if you is in standby mode. Even when it is completely turned off, the operating system boots up about twice as fast as with my RAZR.
The handling like it overall very good. Through the excellent screen you directly the opportunity to evaluate the images and movies captured in detail. The touch screen is very reliable, so that the settings menus are easily accessible and adjustable. The Gallery function suggests conventional camera by far. The online options-especially the free for 2 years 50GB online storage at Dropbox are worth (for me) Gold. Thus, the camera automatically saves all images and video (after activating this function) (optional available only when Wi-Fi connection) also online in the Dropbox. These are therefore timely on all connected devices (PCs, laptops, smartphones) available, completely automated. Moreover, it works just fine to stream recordings or videos in Full HD directly from the camera smoothly via WLAN to the (Samsung) LED TV.
The Android operating system also offers a lot more possibilities of editing, synchronization, online interfaces, etc. It works extremely liquid - this is where the quad-core processor is noticeable. An absolutely full-fledged tablet PC on the current state of the art!
Conclusion:
Surely there are better cameras in the 300-400 euro price range (Samsung NX1000, Nikon V1, affordable entry DSLRs etc.). The camera function of GC100 corresponding approximately to the current 200 euros a cam such as the Samsung WB850 or Panasocic TZ18. The combination with the endless possibilities offered by the Android operating system in combination with the really good hardware (processor, memory, LCD) but is unique and unmatched. I'll keep the camera and hereby give a strong buy recommendation at prices under 380 euros. The device can (except for calls) much more than the Samsung S3, which is currently priced much higher than the 400 euro mark. Since the device is still very new, I also believe that to be expected on the part of Samsung firmware updates, which provide software further correct possibly the distortions of the objective (is similar with other manufacturers). But even now I can absolutely live with the image quality. The camera works very stable, a Crash or hang of the software I had not experienced so far. I would forgive a total of 4.5 stars. Since this is not possible here, I choose 5 stars.
Addendum dated 05.03.2013:
After several tests I need to revise something again my opinion to the camera section. The image quality (for photos) is unfortunately to designate all conditions just as adequate. The blurred edges and poor resolution at high ISO speeds and in the telephoto range can mean Overall photo quality drop "acceptable" in a. Here it would have been better to use a more intense look and it to renounce focal length. When filming, however, the appearance proves to be good, and the videos are clear, sharp and, thanks to the great working even when filming Bildstabilators quite without shaking. I would therefore consider the Galaxy Camera rather than Video Camera with Android docking. In the photo quality Samsung has yet to rectify.
So I change my overall assessment of 5 still on good 4 stars.
